As a player, he was a defender who notably played in the Premier League for Bolton Wanderers and in the Scottish Premiership for Aberdeen, Raith Rovers and Partick Thistle.
Born in Kilmarnock, McAnespie started his career with Aberdeen, although failed to make a senior appearance during his time at Pittodrie.
McAnespie featured in a similar number of matches as Bolton gained promotion at the first attempt, winning the title by eighteen points.
While he was assistant coach of the New Orleans Shell Shockers, he had to be rescued from the impact of Hurricane Katrina.
[2][3] McAnespie moved to New Orleans as head coach at Brother Martin High School.