Sam McClelland, a robust defender born on 4 January 2002 in Northern Ireland, currently guards the backline for St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership. His impressive height of 6ft 3in (1.91m) and weight of 12st 6lb (79kg) mark him as a daunting prospect for any attacking players. The number 18 shirt is proudly worn by him.
Valued at an estimated £148.5k according to Transfermarkt, McClelland's contractual obligations to St Johnstone are nearing an end, with the agreement set to conclude on 31 May 2025.
McClelland began his professional career as a trainee with Chelsea in England's Premier League, joining them in July 2018. His first taste of football exchanges came in July 2022 when he was loaned to Barrow in England's League Two. McClelland had a solid debut season etching out 18 appearances for the first team and pocketing his first career goal.
Seeking more first-team action, McClelland made a leap to the Scottish Premiership in August 2023, joining the ranks of St Johnstone. However, in a series of back-and-forth transitions, he was loaned out to Dundee United in February 2024, where he made six first team appearances. McClelland returned to St Johnstone in June 2024 after his loan period ended.
The 2023-2024 season saw McClelland make seven first team appearances for St Johnstone and the present season of 2024-2025 has seen him make a single appearance. An additional mark on his Scottish Premiership stint has been his participation in the League Cup 2024-2025 for St Johnstone, featuring in four starts.
McClelland's career carries the marks of a promising journeyman, navigating his way on the fields of England and Scotland. One can only ponder on the next steps for this tall, Northern Irish Defender.
