In his professional career, McLean played solely for Kilmarnock, amassing over 500 games in all competitions over sixteen seasons; he is third on the club's all-time appearance list.
[4] After making his debut in November 1974 versus Clyde in a 4–2 defeat a few weeks before his 19th birthday, McLean thereafter became a regular in the first-team under Willie Fernie, starting 19 league games during that season in Scotland's top flight.
He had played his part during the season, as Kilmarnock won promotion back to the second tier at the first time of asking under manager Jim Fleeting, who was only a few months older than McLean himself.
Just prior to the end of his playing career, McLean received a testimonial match versus Rangers in January 1990 to recognise his long service at Killie.
[9] Brian is a footballer who has played for Dundee United, Falkirk, Motherwell and Ross County in Scotland and also had a spell at Preston North End in England.