Rangers completed the signing of the Heart of Midlothian and Scotland defender for a fee of £2M in October 1994. It was a deal that would also see Dave McPherson return to Tynecastle after two successful spells at Ibrox.
Alan would make his competitive debut just days later as Rangers defeated Celtic 3-1 at Hampden, it was a game that he absolutely strolled and he always revelled in that type of atmosphere.
Competent on the ball and with a good range of passing ability, his real strength was in the art of defending, a man marker who thrived on the physical side of the game.
Although only 23 when he joined the Club, McLaren had already gained a wealth of experience in the top flight having broken into the Hearts side as raw 17 year old. Mature beyond his years and with an incredible will to win, it was abundantly clear that manager Walter Smith viewed McLaren as the future backbone of Club and Country as we prepared to move into the new millennium.
When Richard Gough initially left Rangers at the end of our NIAR season (1996/97), the path was cleared for Alan to take over. Sadly, that night at Tannadice would prove to be Alan’s final match for Rangers as, already struggling with a persistent injury, he would soon be given the shattering news that his career was over at just 26 years of age. It was a terrible blow for both player and Club as during his 3 years at Rangers he had certainly lived up to expectations. There can be little doubt that injury robbed Alan the chance of becoming a Rangers great.
Alan continues to work at Ibrox on matchday
