Although born in Scotland, he spent most of his playing career in England, before turning to management in Malaysia and Australia.
While completing his National Service as a radar technician in the RAAF, MacLaren represented Hong Kong FC and helped Penang win the Malaya Cup in 1954.
[4] He joined Leicester City and immediately won promotion to the First Division as he became first choice, but he lost his place to the emerging Gordon Banks during the 1959–60 season.
[7] He lasted just a single season at The Dell, making 22 league appearances, before losing his place to Eric Martin.
As national manager, MacLaren guided Malaysia to qualify for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games as group leaders.