Chelsea FC’s 50 Greatest Players Of All-Time
44. Eddie McCreadie: 1962-73
Opposite Ken Shellito in the marauding Chelsea FC sides of the 60’s was fullback Eddie McCreadie. The Scottish international joined the club from East Stirlingshire in 1962 and he went on to play in 410 matches for the club.
McCreadie was an attacking fullback in an era where that concept was still a novelty in English football. He and Shellito were famed for their overlapping runs in the final third, causing havoc to opposing defenses. The fullback only managed to score four goals in his Chelsea career but was a strong presence in one of the strongest sides in club history.
After retiring, McCreadie took on the role of Chelsea manager from 1975-77 and helped usher in the next generation of stars including Ray Wilkins. He was never sacked from the club but instead resigned after the Blues rejected his request for a company car. Perhaps that’s why so many managers get the sack at Chelsea, the club just wants to save on the cost of a company car.
The Chelsea great went on to manage the Memphis Rogues of the fledgling North American Soccer League and even managed an indoor football team called the Cleveland Force.
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