He returned to Scotland to join Ross County, then a Highland League club, initially as a player before taking over as manager the following season.
After this he became assistant manager to Bruce Rioch at Millwall, and later worked as a scout for Bolton Wanderers, Leeds United, Norwich City, Wigan Athletic and Chelsea.
He was scouted by Aberdeen whilst playing for Junior side Bridgeton Waverley and the Scotland under-18 youth team, and joined the club as a part-time player in 1949 while continuing his apprenticeship as a draughtsman.
[3] He made his first team debut in January 1951 against St Mirren, scoring his first goal for the club within ten minutes in a 1–1 draw.
In 1957–58, McNeill scored the only goal in a 1–0 win in the final game of the season against Birmingham City, ensuring the club avoided relegation.