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.
Jack McLennan, playing as a fullâÂÂback, made his Accrington and League debut on 8 September 1888, at Anfield, the then home of Everton. Accrington lost the match 2âÂÂ1. Jack McLennan appeared in 19 of the 22 League matches played by Accrington in season 1888âÂÂ89. Jack McLennan played fullâÂÂback/centreâÂÂhalf (18 at fullâÂÂback) in an Accrington defence that achieved two cleanâÂÂsheets and restricted the opposition to oneâÂÂLeagueâÂÂgoalâÂÂinâÂÂaâÂÂmatch on five separate occasions. On 20 October 1888 John McLellan, playing as a fullâÂÂback 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 centreâÂÂhalf. In the first match, played at Thorneyholme Road, the home of Accrington, the Accrington defence restricted Blackburn Rovers to one goal in a 1âÂÂ1 draw.
In season 1889âÂÂ90 Accrington had their best season, finishing sixth in the League and McLennan was an everâÂÂpresent (along with Johnny Kirkham). He also played in all three Accrington FA Cup ties. He played Left Full-Back in every match. Although Accrington had a solid mid-table season what let them down, and McLennan was part of this, was a leaky defence. They conceded 56 League goals, only three teams performing worse.
In season 1890âÂÂ91 McLellan only appeared in 14 League matches (Accrington finishing tenth) while appearing again in three FA Cup ties. In season 1891âÂÂ92 the Football League was expanded to 14 Clubs and McLellan played in all 26 matches with Accrington finishing 11th. Again he appeared in three FA Cup ties. In 1892âÂÂ93 the Football League split into two Divisions and Accrington were in Division One. Accrington finished 15th and were relegated and the club folded. McLellan appeared 20 times in the League and twice in the FA Cup.
Jack McLellan signed for Bacup in 1893 having been on the books of Accrington for the five seasons they were Football League members. He was one of two players to play for Accrington from 1888 to 1893. The other was Jack Kirkham. He appeared in 114 matches (101 Football League + 13 FA Cup). There is no apparent record of when he died.