Chelsea Football Club and the wider football world are in mourning following the announcement of the death of legendary former defender and manager Eddie McCreadie at the age of 85.
A Storied Playing Career at Stamford Bridge
Eddie McCreadie, who also earned 23 caps for Scotland, forged an indelible legacy at Chelsea, making 410 appearances for the club. His remarkable journey in West London began when then-manager Tommy Docherty signed him from East Stirlingshire for a fee of just £5,000, plus an agreement for Chelsea to play two friendlies against the Scottish side, only one of which ever took place.
Originally from Glasgow, McCreadie quickly established himself as a formidable left-back, so much so that Docherty once hailed him as the best left-back in Europe. His time as a player was decorated with significant silverware, including the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the European Cup Winners' Cup. He secured his place in Chelsea folklore by scoring the winning goal in the 1965 League Cup final against Leicester City, despite being deployed as an emergency striker for the match.
From Pitch to Dugout: McCreadie's Managerial Reign
After retiring at the end of the 1973-74 season, McCreadie moved into coaching at Chelsea. He was promoted to manager in April 1975, taking over from Ron Suart. Although he could not prevent the club's relegation to the Second Division, he masterminded their immediate return to the top flight two years later.
His managerial tenure was notable for rebuilding the team around a young Ray Wilkins, who would himself become a Chelsea great. However, McCreadie's time in charge ended abruptly before the start of the following season. His departure followed a reported disagreement with chairman Brian Mears, after his offer to resign was accepted when a request for a company car was refused. Protests from players and fans failed to reverse the decision.
Life After Chelsea and Lasting Legacy
Following his exit from Chelsea, McCreadie moved to the United States, where he coached the Memphis Rogues in the North American Soccer League and later had a stint with Cleveland Force. He retired from football in 1985 and settled in Tennessee, where he lived out his retirement.
Announcing the sad news on social media platform X, Chelsea FC stated: 'Chelsea Football Club is today mourning the loss of one of the great figures in our history, Eddie McCreadie. We are sending our heartfelt condolences to all of Eddie’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.' The club's statement underscores the profound impact McCreadie had during his decades of service, both on and off the pitch, cementing his status as a true Chelsea legend.
