Career
MacFarlane played for Aberdeen, Chelsea and Leicester City as a full back. MacFarlane managed Carlisle United from 1 January 1970 to 1 June 1972. Notable signings he made for Carlisle include John Gorman in September 1970 and Stanley Bowles in October 1971.
He was caretaker manager of Sunderland from 18 August 1976 to 1 December 1976 for 7 games (2 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses.
He was succeeded by Jimmy Adamson. He then managed Leicester City for 5 games in 1978 as caretaker manager, losing 4 and winning just once.