Who is football manager Alex McLeish and what teams has he managed?

FOOTBALL legend Alex McLeish has landed a place on the New Year’s Honours list.

But who is he and what teams has he managed? From his sporting career to his awards and achievements – here’s everything you need to know about football manager and former player Alex McLeish.

PAFormer Scotland player and manager Alex McLeish has been made an OBE in the New Year Honours list[/caption]

Who is football manager Alex McLeish?

Alex McLeish, born January 21, 1959, is a Scottish professional football manger and former player.

Over the course of his footballing career, McLeish made an historic contribution to several clubs and the Scotland National team.

His professional career began at Aberdeen in January 1978 and throughout the 1980s he would partner Willie Miller in the heart of their defence, winning numerous trophies on both the domestic and European stage. 

In 1980, Glasgow-born McLeish made his Scotland debut in a European Championship qualifier in Portugal.

He went on to represent Scotland 77 times including appearances at three World Cups in 1982, 1986 and 1990.

In December 2023, the football legend was awarded an OBE for his charity work, during a glittering career as both a player and a boss – including his work with the Catherine McEwan Foundation which supports people with colitis and Crohn’s.

He said: “I am hugely honoured and humbled to receive this OBE in recognition for my career in football and my charitable work.

“This is a proud moment for myself and my family and I’m grateful to the Honours Committee for this fantastic award.”

Away from his footballing achievements, the OBE also recognises McLeish’s contribution off the pitch and his commitment to charitable causes.

He has helped raise more than £200,000 for Crohn’s and Colitis UK and is an ambassador for the Catherine McEwan Foundation, helping to fundraise and increase awareness about Crohn’s and Colitis.

The former footballer has also helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for Linn Moor VSA, a specialist support for young people with additional support needs on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

And he is an ambassador for the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice Glasgow.

What teams has Alex McLeish managed?

After his successful playing career, McLeish quickly went into football management.

As a club boss, McLeish managed Motherwell and Hibs before securing seven trophies for Rangers, including the treble in 2002/03.

As a club manager, McLeish led Motherwell to their highest-ever finish in the Scottish Premier Division and won Hibernian a Scottish First Division title.

He was Rangers manager between 2001 and 2006 and also had two spells as Scotland boss, successfully winning Scotland’s group in the inaugural UEFA Nations League.

Other clubs McLeish has also formerly managed include Aston Villa, Birmingham and Nottingham Forest.

McLeish managed Birmingham City to promotion to the English Premier League.

The football manager also led Birmingham to League Cup glory in 2011.