Former Scotland boss McLeod dies aged 72

FORMER Aberdeen and Scotland manager Ally McLeod has died at the age of 72.

The man who led Scotland to the 1978 World Cup passed away peacefully at home in Ayrshire and had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years.

A talented left winger with Hibernian and Blackburn as a player, he began his management career at Ayr United.

“It’s devastating news for every Ayr supporter because Ally meant so much to us,” said club director John Dalton.

McLeod will be remembered for his boast that Scotland would ‘bring back a medal’ from Argentina.

However, defeat to Peru and an embarrassing draw with Iran meant Scotland were packing their bags early, despite a famous 3-2 win over Holland. After the poor showing in Argentina, McLeod returned to management with Motherwell, Airdrie, Ayr again and Queen of the South.

“He has been manager of the club three times and was a success every time and took Ayr from nothing to a team to be reckoned with the likes of Rangers and Celtic,” said Dalton.