The left back began his professional career for East Stirlingshire, before Tommy Docherty brought him south of the border in 1962. McCreadie featured greatly in the in the side during his 11 year stay with the club. With pace and skill to boot, the defender was a fan favourite at the Bridge, part of an attacking full back duo with right back Ken Shellito. Their overlapping tactics were uncharacteristic of English football at the time and Chelsea had an advantage, with opponents unfamiliar with the playing style. Prior to the 1966 World Cup, West Germany asked to play friendlies against the London club. This was because of Shellito and McCreadie playing a style accustom to the South American leagues. Along with his ability on the field, McCreadie was admired for his commitment and stern attitude to defending. Never one to back away from a fight, the fiery Scot was a feared defender. His commitment to the game was perhaps most clear during the replay of the 1970 FA Cup final against Leeds United. McCreadie went into an aerial challenge feet-first and caught fellow Scotsman Billy Bremners head. Despite the referee allowing play to continue, the challenge - among others in the same game was criticised for decades afterwards. As one of the most brutal ties in football history, McCreadie was well within his depths on the field that day.
An admiration for the arrogant personalities in football. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Diego Simeone, even Joey Barton. If you were to ask who I'd rather have in my team, Messi or Ronaldo? The latter.
Chelsea FC writer for WhatCulture Sport.
Newcastle United fan.
