MacFarlane "oversaw the early stages of one of the finest ever Hibernian sides". Having signed Erich Schaedler in his previous managerial post at Stirling Albion, MacFarlane made Schaedler his first signing as Hibs manager.
MacFarlane was instrumental in shaping a top-tier Hibernian team. He brought in Erich Schaedler, whom he had previously managed at Stirling Albion, to be his first signing as Hibs manager.