Career
He started his career with Third Lanark before he was signed by newly formed Liverpool in 1892. As well as scoring their first ever goal, McVean was also Liverpool"s captain for their first ever competitive match, in the Lancashire League against Higher Walton on 3 September 1892. He also scored twice in Liverpool"s first ever victory over top flight opposition when Preston North End were beaten 3–2 in a classic FA cup upset in 1894.
In all McVean made 89 league appearances for the Reds, forty-three of them in the top division where he scored eight goals in four seasons from 1893 until 1897 when he spent the end of his fourth, and final league season with Burnley where he made just four appearances.
McVean has the unusual distinction of having experienced promotion or relegation in each of his four seasons in England. Liverpool 1894 - promoted, 1895 - relegated, 1896 - promoted, Burnley, 1897 - relegated.
He left league football for his native Scotland where he joined Dundee. He also had a spell with Bedminster.