His extensive coaching career took him all around the world and spanned a period of forty years, during which he managed ten national teams: the Philippines, Mauritius, Rhodesia, Iran, Bahrain, Iraq, Malawi, Jordan, Fiji and Libya.

Born in Stirling, McLennan represented Scotland at schoolboy international level and played junior football for Lochore Welfare.

[6] McLennan lead Stirling Albion to promotion to the top division in 1961, and to the semi-finals of Scottish League Cup for the first time, also in 1961.

[7][8][6] With both Rhodesia, in 1970, and Iran, in 1974, McLennan almost qualified for the FIFA World Cup, but lost out in the play-off round twice.

Unfortunately a rigged draw between Algeria and Nigeria ended any hopes of qualifying from the group.