Starting in Scottish junior football Peter McLean joined Exeter City in 1953 after playing around seventy times for Reading. He later played for Bath City.

After playing for Bo’ness United and Lochgelly Violet, Peter earned his first professional contract when signing for Reading in January 1949. In four-and-a-half years with the Berkshire club he netted 6 goals in 70 league appearances before signing for Exeter City in August 1953.

Appearing first in the opening day of the season win against Leyton Orient at St James’ Park in August 1953, Peter lost his place in the side after just four matches. Not playing again until just before Christmas, he then enjoyed a run of eleven consecutive games before being released at the end of the 1953/54 season to sign for Bath City ahead of later spells with Weymouth and Taunton Town.