McAdam played a youth player for Dumbarton and was later promoted to the main squad as a defender,[3] where he began his professional career.
He made his debut for Rangers on 9 August 1980 in a Premier Division match against Airdrieonians which finished as a 1–1 draw.
[4] The following season proved not to be quite as successful and McAdam found himself being played in defence to cover injuries.
Gradually he became more of a squad player and found himself surplus to requirements when Jock Wallace took over the reins at the club for his second spell in charge.
After a two-game stint with Australian side Adelaide City he returned to Scotland to sign for Hearts in September 1985.